College of Education
journey today.
About the College
To address the teacher shortage in America, GCU has created the National Center for Teacher Preparation. This center is part of our pledge to make higher education more accessible so you can transform your experience as a working paraprofessional into a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Our generous initial teacher licensure scholarship is available to help make your bachelor’s or master’s tuition affordable so you can become a full-time, licensed, salaried teacher with paid benefits.
The College of Education inspires excellence in pedagogy and scholarship; advances reflective, innovative and collaborative teaching practices to maximize student learning and achievement; promotes servant leadership in educational communities; and engages a diverse and global community of learners with purpose and passion.
Enhance your skills and career possibilities; declare a minor to supplement your experience in college for teaching.
Choosing one of GCU’s education programs can equip you with a firm foundation to shape tomorrow’s future. Implement strategies that can help you think more critically and potentially position yourself for a career with an undergraduate degree in education. Integrate philosophy with practical knowledge within one of our master’s in education degree programs. You can also enhance your knowledge in specific areas with a certificate program or individual education courses.
Education degree programs that lead to licensure in the College of Education are approved by the Arizona State Board of Education.
Why do future educators choose GCU?
GCU’s Canyon Teacher Residency Pathways can develop and enrich your teaching career. Our college education programs can equip teacher candidates with the skills to work toward a career in the field as substitute teachers, tutors, teacher aides or paraprofessionals while working toward teacher certification and degree completion. These hands-on residency pathways provide experience that can help in your own classroom one day.
If you are seeking recertification, licensure, endorsements or looking to grow your teaching career, GCU’s College of Education offers timely and affordable continuing education courses that might fit your schedule and help you position yourself to potentially further your career as an educator.
GCU maintains its standing as a participating member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), an accrediting body acknowledged at the national level by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The College of Education also aligns its curriculum with the standards set by the Higher Learning Commission, national accreditors and professional affiliates. These standards help us produce credible, qualified teachers and professionals through our education degree programs online and on campus.
Look through our resources and information on the tuition rates for your degree program and how GCU can help with paying for college through scholarships and financial aid.
For more information on the requirements for admission and the steps needed for the application process, visit our admission page.
FAQs for College of Education Programs
Discover concise answers to common queries about our College of Education, offering insights into our programs, faculty and resources. This section is designed to comprehensively address your questions and hopefully provide a deeper understanding of education programs at GCU.
Teacher colleges can offer opportunities not only for aspiring educators but also for individuals who seek alternative career paths within the educational sphere, catering to those who may not necessarily envision themselves solely in a teaching role.1 Education administration programs are also offered within the purview of a "teachers’ college." These programs can cater to individuals aspiring to administrative roles within educational institutions, debunking the myth that such colleges are solely designated for teacher training.
At GCU, an array of education programs can cater to various career paths in the education field. These often encompass bachelor’s and master’s degrees, certificate programs, and individual courses specifically designed for aspiring educators or those seeking a teaching career. Our programs span different levels and types, including early childhood education, secondary education, special education and educational administration degrees. These diverse offerings can help you specialize in your chosen area within the realm of education.
Yes, in part. GCU aims to provide an extensive online learning platform offering convenience and flexibility for individuals pursuing an education degree. Opting for an online education program may help you access quality courses from anywhere with internet connectivity, accommodating diverse schedules and lifestyles. This approach caters to those seeking a flexible learning environment while maintaining the same curriculum standards as on-campus programs. However, many teaching programs also include practicum/field experience hours that require in-person and hands-on experiences.
GCU's online education degrees can empower students to engage with comprehensive coursework, experienced faculty and diverse resources while balancing other commitments, making it an appealing choice for those aiming to pursue their education degree in a more flexible manner.
Yes, but it varies based on the state and the type of teaching certification you're pursuing. Generally, a bachelor's degree is required for most certificate programs in teaching.2 However, if you completed a bachelor's degree in a subject other than education, there may be avenues available for you to pursue a teaching certificate in education, such as earning a master’s degree that leads to licensure.3
Education requirements for teachers can vary by occupation and the state in which you plan to teach in, so be sure to check with your state’s department of education. For example:
If you are ready to apply for GCU's College of Education or have additional questions about enrolling into a teaching degree program, contact us today!
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
- Drexel University School of Education. (n.d.). What To Do With A Teaching Degree Besides Teach. Retrieved Dec. 12, 2023.
- Vilorio, D. (2016, June). Teaching for a Living. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2023.
- Indeed. (2023, Jan. 26). How To Get a Teaching Certificate After Earning a Bachelor's Degree. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2023.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2023.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2023.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Dec. 13, 2023.
